Facial Hair Removal: Understanding Your Options

Learn how the different forms of hair removal can help you get rid of those pesky whiskers -- on your terms

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There's just no sugarcoating an issue like women's facial hair removal -- no matter how you slice it, it's not going to morph into a happy, feel good topic.

Yes, we know that there's a strong contingent of women out there who resent the fact that society wants to dictate what's acceptable and what's not when it comes to their facial hair, but be that as it may, as a woman in America, having facial hair is not considered a good thing -- for now anyway.

And, unfortunately, because of the stigma sometimes associated with facial hair, you can become self-conscious, suffer from self-esteem issues and/or become reluctant to enter into a romantic relationship. But, don't despair! First of all, you're not alone. 10 percent of American women contend with facial hair removal two or more times a week. Plus, we're lucky to live in a time when hair removal options abound. Trust us, Laura Ingalls was not nearly as fortunate.

So, let's get proactive and see what your best options are. As with solving any problem, the first thing to do is suss out the root cause -- you want to be sure that your hair growth doesn't signal a medical issue that needs to be addressed. Once anything serious has been ruled out, you can get to tackling the problem head on. To that end, we've brought in the big guns. We consulted with dermatologists Dr. Heidi Waldorf and Dr. Arielle Kauvar to find out the best ways to combat excessive facial hair and learn all about the hair removal options available today. (Psst � we also have some hints from famed etiquette expert, Lizzie Post, about how to, gently, tell a friend that she may want to consider some of these hair removal options.)

Anxious to get plucking? OK, maybe not the best choice of words, but let's begin.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Why (Oh Why) Are You Growing Facial Hair?

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Older comments

Shaving your face never has seemed like a good idea to me, tweezing is the way to go!

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 02:43PM Report as inappropriate

I HATE THIS ISSUE WORSE THING

by AmandaAmanda Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 06:30PM Report as inappropriate

For me, waxing and tweezing are the only way to go. Shaving your face is a big no no in my opinion!

by Nanette1970 Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 05:48PM Report as inappropriate

Waxing rules! I've always been curious about getting it done by a pro..hm.

by LittleBunny Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 11:19PM Report as inappropriate

I love old school veet, just don't leave it on too long or you will end up with redness.

by RoleModel Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 10:51PM Report as inappropriate

I'll leave it to the professionals... I'm too scared of messing up something I can't hide.

by Bon_Bon Monday, February 21, 2011 at 03:45PM Report as inappropriate

I have used (sally hansen) also got outline..burn as well..lotion only makes it worse..but shaving for some like my mom (during my entire childhood) looks like a mans beard if she doesnt.. It does depend on the individual. Please yourself first..Then worry about everyone else..

by Lassie1157 Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 09:08AM Report as inappropriate

when i used a hair removal cream for my face (a sally hansen product), it removed the hair but left my skin feeling very strange in the areas i used it. my makeup wouldn't stick to the areas i used it for almost 3 weeks! i walked around with a huge outline of where i used it on the side of my face. has anyone else ever had this issue? liquid, cream, powder... nothing would stay stick! it would just build up around it.

by BrittanyLeigh Friday, February 4, 2011 at 12:19PM Report as inappropriate

i have been shaving my peach fuzz since i was 16 and NO your hair does not grow back thicker or anything of the crazy sort. of course everyone reacts differently to any kind of shaving, waxing or tweezing but for this 23 year old hispanic girl shaving is the best option!

by Gabby0 Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 08:43PM Report as inappropriate

very good information on hair removal. I been using epilator for my hair removal and It works for me great.

by amy6 Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 06:12PM Report as inappropriate